What should I do with a just-baked lasanga?
I'm a complete cooking newbie. I just made a lasanga from a recipe - or something that looks like a lasanga. However, it will probably only be eaten 3-4 hours from now. What should I do with it in the mean while? Leave it in the oven (after turning it off, of course)? Put it in the fridge? Just lay it on a table?
And how should I re-heat it, if it will be required?
Best Answer
The lasanga will be even better 4 hours from now, but you definitely need to get it cold. Bacteria grow between 40°F and 140°F (often called the "danger zone"), so you need to get it cold now. I wouldn't put hot lasagna directly into the fridge, though, as it will raise the temperature of your fridge. Let it cool for a little while, maybe even let it sit on some ice, then refrigerate.
You can re-heat it all at once, in a low temperature (250°F or so) oven, or cut into individual servings and microwave it.
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How long should lasagna rest after baking?
Letting the lasagna rest is key to successful serving. Chef Will Cox told First We Feast that you need to wait at least 15 minutes, and up to 30 if you can stand it, before cutting into your lasagna.How do you store lasagna after cooking?
Properly stored, cooked lasagna will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. To further extend the shelf life of cooked lasagna, freeze it; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.Should I let lasagna cool before refrigerating?
The correct answer is to wrap it with aluminium foil and stick it in the fridge. This way you will be safe from all bacterial growth. If your lasagna is cool already you could also use cling film for the wrapping.How do you keep lasagna warm after cooking?
Heat Packs or Hot Water Bottles Pack your lasagna in a steel baking sheet, and cover it with a lid or aluminium foil. Place the heat sources, either under the baking sheet, or to the sides. Wrap all of it with a towel. This method will keep the lasagna warm for more than 8 hours.THE SECRET TO MAKE MY SUPER CHEESY SUPER YUMMY BAKED LASAGNA RECIPE THAT IS BETTER THAN TAKE OUT!!!
More answers regarding what should I do with a just-baked lasanga?
Answer 2
You cannot easily cool and reheat a decent sized lasagna in 3 to 4 hours and get down to 4C for any length of time to make it worthwhile
It was mostly sterile from the baking process. If you leave the oven door closed it will stay clean and warm for a few hours. Simply be re-heated 30 minutes before serving. You could under-cook it slightly to allow for this, but for lasagna is usually improves with more cooking
You could also consider leaving the oven on low, and keeping it hot till serving time. This may degrade some foods, it depends on what's in it. Keep it above 70C (160F)
Answer 3
The correct answer is to wrap it with aluminium foil and stick it in the fridge. This way you will be safe from all bacterial growth. If your lasagna is cool already you could also use cling film for the wrapping. Having said that: If it was me I would just leave it on the table. I always do that, and it has never been a problem.
Answer 4
I was a food service specialist. The danger zone is 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C). Food can be kept in the danger zone no more then 4 hours. That being said it would be fine to leave in the oven until your guest arrive with the oven turned off after backing. Reheat at 350 for 1/2 hour before serving. Your lasagna wouldn't be in the danger zone 4 hours.
Answer 5
For a 4 hour wait time prior to eating, first leave it at room temp for 30 minutes so you can then put in fridge. Cover tight with foil. Then one hour before eat time reheat in oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 Celsius) for one hour (because now it is cold, not room temperature). Make sure you have a dish that can take going from cold fridge to hot oven. If it is a dish you can not put in oven while so cold - 1/2 hour at room and 30 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
Answer 6
There's only one way to be completely safe: Eat it now, or give it to someone else so they can eat it now. If your guests aren't due for 3 or 4 hours, make another one that'll just be cooked when they're due to arrive. Your second lasagna will probably taste better than your first anyway.
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